Mark Packer Exits ESPN, ACC Network

Veteran sports broadcaster Mark Packer, known as “The Packman,” announced his retirement from ESPN and the ACC Network on Thursday, after a 30-year career in sports media. 

Mark Packer

Packer shared the news via social media, stating that his agent informed ESPN of his decision that morning, citing personal and professional challenges over the past three years as reasons for the timing. He expressed excitement for future endeavors, including traveling, writing, teaching, and living life fully, while thanking his supporters.

Packer was a key figure at the ACC Network since its launch in 2019. He co-hosted Packer and Durham, a weekday morning show from 7-10 a.m., with Wes Durham, broadcast from his basement studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. In August 2022, he transitioned to afternoons, co-hosting ACC PM with Taylor Tannebaum, which included on-campus broadcasts for ACC football weekends alongside analysts like EJ Manuel and Mark Richt.

Before ESPN, Packer hosted the highly popular PrimeTime with the Packman on WFNZ-AM in Charlotte from 1997 to 2010, a syndicated radio show that became the most listened-to sports talk show in the Carolinas. He later joined SiriusXM, hosting College Sports Today and Off Campus with Mark Packer on ESPNU Radio. Packer also founded Southern Fried Football, Inc., a company promoting college football through various media platforms, and Pack-Man Sports Productions, Inc.